Downton Abbey license acquired by Heritage Lace

Downton Abbey-inspired textiles and home décor items will debut in 2014 from Heritage Lace.

Heritage Lace will produce home décor and textiles associated with the award-winning PBS series Downton Abbey.

The licensed collection from the Pella, Iowa-based company is based on items that might have been found in Downton Abbey, the fictional Yorkshire country estate at the center of the program.

The Heritage Lace collection captures the color, texture and tactile appeal of fine laces, sheers, linens, velvets, burlap, natural wovens and embroideries that would be right at home in Highclere Castle - and fit right in with modern tastes and sensibilities.

"Our Downton Abbey collections are inspired by the rich cast of characters - both upstairs and down. Whether you lean towards ‘fancy and refined' or ‘clean and simple' the 2014 Downton Abbey product line is fun, fresh and certainly relevant to today's interiors," said Daniel De Cook, Heritage Lace co-CEO.

The Downton Abbey products focus on the characters and their particular station in life, much like the "upstairs - downstairs" plotlines that take place on the show. The variety of products will reflect both the practical items crafted for today's homes, as well as luxury items designed for everyday living.

"Upstairs" characters Lady Mary, Dowager Countess of Grantham and Lady Cora's collections focus on fine textiles, ladies accessories and linens and other high-quality items. The "Downstairs" collections named after characters Mrs. Hughes and Mrs. Patmore reflect the authenticity, integrity and utility typified by their roles on the show. Those collections include more practical items such as kitchen towels, placemats and fabric baskets. A bit of whimsy finds its way into many collections, as well as the Downton Abbey gifts collection that features iconic symbols such as the Abbey, the Union Jack and the Downton Abbey "DA" family crest.

The product line has already been previewed by Heritage Lace representatives from the U.S. and Canada and will make a formal splash at AmericasMart in Atlanta, in early January. All collections will be available for purchase online beginning February 1. Dealers will start to retail the merchandise in early March.